Common Questions about Criminal Justice Studies

There are some common misconceptions when it comes to the criminal justice field. You may have wondered: "What can I do with a criminal justice degree?” Sit back and learn some of the finer points about the degree and potential careers in the field.

What do you think of when you think of criminal justice? Sexy crime scene investigators in Miami? “Gumshoes” in trench coats?

Hopefully you are laughing at those outdated stereotypes. Very few criminal justice positions look like what you see on TV. But that doesn’t mean the field can’t be a fulfilling and exciting career path. If you are considering earning a criminal justice degree online or in a traditional classroom then knowing the answers to a few common questions will start you off on the right foot. Take a look at the tidbits below to find out more about the field of criminal justice.

How do I know if Criminal Justice Studies is right for me?

If you like the idea of protecting and serving people in your community then Criminal Justice Studies could be a good fit. Likewise, working in criminal justice could help you take an interest in the law and turn it into a career. Enjoying working with people, piecing together different parts of a problem to come up with a solution, and believing that all people deserve to be treated well and equally could mean this is the right field for you.

What will I learn?

As part of many degree programs you can expect to develop a broad understanding of the U.S. criminal justice system by studying its aspects including law enforcement, courts, corrections and private security. Subjects may also include the nature and effects of criminal and delinquent behavior, state and federal court systems, correctional organizations and various law enforcement agencies. If you earn a criminal justice Bachelor's degree you will also learn about criminal law and procedures to resolving ethical issues and managing the human and business side of criminal justice.

What can I do with my degree?

Earning a Criminal Justice Studies degree offers many career paths. Examples include corrections officer, legal assistant, loss prevention specialist, police officer, security manager, and social and human services assistant. Be sure to research individual career paths to see what kind of degree they recommend. You can also check out our blog on Career Ideas for Criminal Justice Studies majors for more details on each career path.

What are the career projections for criminal justice fields?

There are different projections for the various career criminal justice career paths. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), police officers and detectives have a slower than average predicted growth. Those professions are expected to grow 4 percent by 2024, slower than the national average. Probation officers, correctional treatment specialists, security guards and legal assistants also have a 4% predicted growth rate

Where will I work?

Graduates with a Criminal Justice Studies degree work in many settings. Some work for private companies like a law firm, retail store or a corporation. Individuals may also pursue a public sector position working for the federal, state or local government or a non-profit organization.